Above All Else: A World Champion Skydiver's Story of Survival and What It Taught Him About Fear, Adversity, and Success

World famous competitive skydiver and coach Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld presents proven tools and techniques for success and explains how they can be used in everyday life. Dan survived a plane crash from which sixteen of the twenty-two people on board were killed. He was left critically injured and woke up from a six-week-long coma with a broken neck, broken skull, severe

Overview

World famous competitive skydiver and coach Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld presents proven tools and techniques for success and explains how they can be used in everyday life. Dan survived a plane crash from which sixteen of the twenty-two people on board were killed. He was left critically injured and woke up from a six-week-long coma with a broken neck, broken skull, severe head trauma, a collapsed lung, and other serious internal injuries. Against all odds, Dan recovered and went on to become one of the greatest competitive skydiver in the world.

With the love and support of friends and family, Dan was able not only to resurrect his life but return to skydiving to achieve greater heights than he could have ever imagined. His techniques and methods for excelling are applicable to all people, no matter their goals. Dan uses his experiences to teach the lessons he’s learned—as a competitor, coach, business owner, father, and husband—to help others achieve their dreams, overcome obstacles, and reach their peak performance.

Editorial Reviews

Tony Robbins

“Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld is a class act and I am grateful to know him as a friend. I have so much respect for him as a man—he not only understands the things we both talk about, he has lived them through extreme stress and has contributed greatly to the lives of others as a result.”

Melody Beattie

“Whether it’s overcoming a phobia, transcending physical limitations, or going for the gold in sports or your vocation, let Dan’s love of life and principles help you align with success.”

Related Subjects

What People are Saying About This

Tony Robbins

Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld is a class act and I am grateful to know him as a friend. I have so much respect for him as a man—he not only understands the things we both talk about, he has lived them through extreme stress and has contributed greatly to the lives of others as a result.

Meet the Author

Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld has been a national skydiving competitor since 1983. Dan’s extraordinary talent for bringing out the best in others has made him one of the most influential people in the history of sky- diving and one of the most sought-after coaches in the world. Among his most recent successes is coaching the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 Women’s World Champion teams to victory. As a competitor Dan has lead teams to sixteen National Championship Gold Medal victories and seven World Championships. He lives in Temecula, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Above All Else: A World Champion Skydiver's Story of Survival and What It Taught Him about Fear, Adversity, and Success 4.9 out of 5based on
0 ratings.
11 reviews.

DollyBW

More than 1 year ago

His story is incredible. If he can come back after that accident and accomplish what he did, it makes me feel that I can do anything. The only reason I didn't give it a 5-star rating because the 2nd part of the book seemed a bit preachy (IMHO). Still good reading regardless and advice worth remembering. I glad I bought it.

TaraCMcNutt

More than 1 year ago

This is truly an inspiring book! After reading &quot;Above All Else&quot;, I was so touched by Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld's story that it challenged me to reevaluate my life and my goals. Upon reading his story, I learned way more about life than I learned about skydiving. For instance, the lessons learned about overcoming fears and making dreams achievable, pertain to almost every aspect of life and helped me to look at life from a different perspective. It is a book that you never want to set down, as the author does an excellent job with setting the scene and engaging his audience. It is almost as if you can visualize everything in your head. Hearing his story and that failure never set him back but rather made him work that much harder to achieve his goals, taught me to never give up because you never know how close you may be to success. He displays how a fantasy can become a dream and a dream can become a goal and with hard work that goal can become a reality. I have not read a book, nor encountered a person in my entire life who is as passionate as Dan. It astonishes me to think of the dedication that he possesses even after a near death experience in a plane crash and loosing a friend who was close to him as a 'brother', yet he still continues to skydive. This story will have you smiling, laughing and crying all in one sitting. More importantly, you will gain insight and powerful realization about life's adversity as well as positive inspiration when you immerse yourself in &quot;Above All Else&quot;.

ShelbyMadden

More than 1 year ago

"Impossible is a word found only in the dictionary of a fool." I'm not sure who may have said this but ever since I was in high school and came across this quote for the first time, it spoke to me. Since then, I have been magnetized to people, literature and ideas that capture the essence of what it means to be living a life based on this paradigm.
"Above All Else," is compelling not only because it offers non-skydivers a glimpse into the unique nature of the sport of skydiving, more importantly, it is abundant in its offering of an honest, sensory-filled perspective about what it means to be living a passionate life. Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld has an internal compass set to acknowledge his dreams, however big, follow his gut with every perceived "risk," and to generously share this realization with others.
I'm finding it difficult to quote the book in this review because there are so many gems of wisdom throughout. Quite simply, and at the risk of sounding clich&eacute;, it is just a "must read." While there are many books written about overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness, Dan's perspective is unique in that he shares, through constant reflection, how his own understanding of what it means to pursue a goal and to "win," morphs over time. Where some might lead with the misunderstanding that the end result will change everything, Dan pushes back with, "Titles are temporary." It's the "commitment, dedication, passion, perseverance, and drive" that define winning in a person in pursuit of a dream or goal. These characteristics are generative in nature and indicative of people who have learned to embrace the gift of life. He shares with the reader that it's what happens to us in the process of our pursuits and how we respond to those game changers that shape not only who we are, but also what we can be for others. Make no mistake, Mr. Chenfeld was set on winning and ultimately accomplished that goal but the reader gets to experience this accomplishment with Dan long before the gold medal was ever hung around his neck.
As generative as the defining characteristics of commitment, dedication, passion, perseverance and drive are in one's approach to life, so are the lessons of this man's experiences applicable to every reader who chooses to pick-up this book. This isn't a book about skydiving, it's about reversing our false perceptions of limitations, recognizing that, "minimal desire leads to minimal goals, requiring minimal effort," and the understanding we are "born dreamers and it is in our nature to want to expand our capabilities." He shows, through example, a perspective of abundant, honest living, leaving the readers inspired in their own unique, passionate pursuits.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Dan demonstrates passion for a vocation and avocation! Despite set backs, including an accident that killed friends and colleagues, Dan persevered and demonstrated to the skydiving world that he is, indeed, a winner!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

ShazzaK

More than 1 year ago

Wow! What a roller coaster ride! I was literally wiping away tears while reading the first few pages of this book, and then laughing out loud as Dan recalls his early skydiving days and then sitting on the edge of my seat as he recalls his fight to become world champion, overcoming seemingly unsurmountable odds along the way. Dan is a great story teller and his story is an amazing one to tell! In part two of his book Dan shares his tried and tested methods to be A Winner; How to pursue and achieve your dreams, whatever they may be, regardless of your walk in life. I am now choosing to apply these methods to pursuing my own dreams and I encourage others to do the same. His book is a thrilling, gripping and inspiring read from beginning to end and I could not put it down. I would highly reccommend this book to both skydivers and non-skydivers alike, to all those who enjoy a riveting read, as well to those who are looking for a little motivation in life.

kswales

More than 1 year ago

This book isn't really about skydiving but more about a pretty amazing sounding guy who fought hard against all odds to get his life back after a dreadful accident. A great story and an inspirational read

AmitRD

More than 1 year ago

An inspiring story about Dan's journey from a novice skydiver to a multiple world championship winner in spite of the tremendous setbacks and losses he suffered. It is a compelling read with a narration that flows smoothly and I often found myself turning pages with anticipation. One is easily touched and motivated by Dan's passion, commitment and courage to pursue his dreams. I also enjoyed reading about the places and people who have shaped the world of competition skydiving and how Dan was in the middle of it all. Dan shares the insights he has developed over the last few decades in building, leading and coaching world class teams and the processes, attitudes and tools that create success. These techniques can be used by everyone in their daily lives to perform at their best. I feel there is something for everyone in this book. Highly recommended.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Plz read Brambleblood's Story in bunny result 1-5. There are 5 parts in it.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Good job! I also read Jaysoar's story and it has Tigerstripe in there as well, evil.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

"LET ALL CATS OLD ENOUGH TO CATCH THEIR OWN PREY, GATHER AROUND SKYROCK FOR A CLAN MEETING!!!" Heatherstar yowled, and every cat gathered around except me and Lilykit, who watched from the edge of the nursery. Once all the cats settled, Heatherstar began. "As you all may have heard, Thornpelt tried to kill Dawnclans only kits." She meowed "hey look, isnt that Thornpelt over there?" Lilykit mewed, pointing with her tail to the golden tom, sitting at the back of the group "yeah" i nodded "i guess he returned sometime this morning" i looked up and saw Heatherstar and a few other cats looking at us, waiting for us to be quiet, along with Redtail our mother, she looked at us disapprovingly, and i looked at my paws in shame, and Heatherstar continued "that severely breaks the warrior code..." she hesitated "so im afraid... that Thornpelt, is banished from Dawnclan, and shall be attacked if seen on our territory..." she meowed, and Thorntail spun around and snarled at us, glaring. Me and Lilykit flinched and huddled together. Whispers of astonishment and disbelief rose around the camp. "That is all" Heatherstar meowed before leaping off of Skyrock and padding over to Thornpelt, saying something we couldnt hear. He nodded and bounded out of camp, his pelt bristling. "Come inside" our mother said blankly, regret and sorrow in her pale green eyes. She sat down inside the nursery and stared at the wall "im sorry momma" Lilykit mewed, pressing against Redtail, and i did the same. I looked up at her, and i saw tears threatening to spill ove in her eyes. I licked her comfortingly for a while, and soon she calmed down. I began hearing growls outside, follows by shrieks. I looked outside and saw Heatherstar cornered by Tigerstripe, Lionpelt, and Windtail. And as if some imaginary signal sounded, all three cat leaped at once, and attacked Heatherstar, hate blazing in their eyes. Lionpelt pinned her down, Windtail clawed her flanks, and Tigerstripe, Thornpelts closest friend, delivered the killing bite to the neck. I gaspe in horror as my leaders last life drained from her body, and her blue eyes clouded. I looked up and saw my mother watching in horror. "Lilykit, Skykit, its not safe here... we must leave now!"